NRC’s Strategic Plan contains five goals that encapsulate all of our activities:

To be recognized as the leading national voice on recycling.
We implement this goal by implementing programs such as America Recycles, our national advocacy work on Capitol Hill, and our forthcoming rebranding campaign.

To serve as a catalyst for constructive dialogue on sustainable raw material management.
This goal includes our Annual Congress & Expo and work with industry leaders, including the Beverage Packaging Environment Council and the Industrial Recycling Council, a group currently forming under the NRC umbrella.

To advance members' understanding of current and emerging recycling issues.
We implement this goal by communicating regularly with members and providing new tools and resources, including the national certification program currently under development.

To foster new and innovative recycling solutions through strategic partnerships.
We will continue to pursue new and innovative relationships like those we've established with Time, International Paper, Nike, and Dell.

To ensure NRC’s organizational health and viability.
We will continue to maximize our current and potential resources to ensure that NRC remains a leading force in the recycling field.